C.C.

While I agree with your thought process, I find it hard to lump Maddux (a hall of fame 300+ winning pitcher) in with the rest of those scrubs. Pierre has been playing really well as of late and Maddux numbers aren't bad for a projected 5th starter.

And the 5 BB's and 2 HR's in 4 innings didn't help either.

I think every single Cubs fan in the world know about Hill dominance in AAA. That doesn't help the Cubs in anyway unless Hill steps up.

I've never understood your Rich Hill hate, or your flip-flopping on the Rich Hill issue. Haven't you been calling for his promotion recently? Basically, I love it when a Cubs prospect performs in the minor leagues. Rich Hill has performed to an exceptional degree. When a player reaches a certain age and he has performed well for a certain amount of time, I want to see that player given ample time with the big league club. I do not love what Hill has done in the majors, but that doesn't mean he can't improve. The only way he can improve, however, is by getting a long opportunity, without worry about his manager or GM calling him out for supporting a teammate, or demoting him after one bad outing. If Hill gives up 5 runs in his first inning back, he should still start 5 days later. If he gives up 15 runs in his first 3 games, he should start a 4th. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by not starting Rich Hill every 5th day, but there is a chance to gain quite a bit. He should get a chance. What do we got to lose! At best he'll be a starter for the Cubs and at worse he'll be sent back down to AAA. What's left to prove in the minors? He deserves the chance to prove himself on the ML level. I'm hoping he does well...In fact I'm praying he does well, but nothing and I mean nothing that I've seen has given me any hope that he'll be a bona-fide major league starter.

I've honestly never understood the Rich Hill love on this board. What has he done in the ML to garner so much love? Rich Hill will never be a Bona-Fide ML starter. He's role eventually will be a lefty specialist.

Why is it so obvious that you think that Dusty and Larry have something against Hill? Don't you think that a ERA over 9 has something to do with him not being on the big club?

Wait a sec. now? The job was his to win in ST and both Guzman and Marshall out pitched him. So lets not here the Cubs don't give Rich Hill many chances. It's not how many chances you are given. It's how you take advantage of those chances when you are given them.. So that's why I haven't won the lottery. Hill hasn't been given a chance. The worst thing is, I believe he still won't be given a chance. He'll get 3 maybe 4 starts and that's if he is good in his first one. Then when Marshall comes back he'll be moved to the bullpen or sent back to AAA. He's been given a decent chance and hasn't shown the ability to pitch at the ML level. Marshall has definately outpitched Hill this year and has earned his spot in the rotation. In Hill's four starts this year he has given up 5, 5, 3, 7 ER respectively. In Marshall's first four starts this year he gave up 4, 4, 2, 0 ER respectively. Marshall showed progress. Hill didn't. He shouldn't get more than 3 or 4 starts to show he can pitch at the ML level. If he has four outings like he did earlier in the year, he shouldn't be given many more. Now, on the other hand, if Hill shows progress, then keep him in the rotation. Sounds simple enough to me.

Not true. If anything Dusty sticks with pitchers way too long. Trust me with the bullpen worn out this weekend with Marshall and Marmol going down Hill will be in there as long as Dusty can bare it.

Wait a sec. now? The job was his to win in ST and both Guzman and Marshall out pitched him. So lets not here the Cubs don't give Rich Hill many chances. It's not how many chances you are given. It's how you take advantage of those chances when you are given them.. So that's why I haven't won the lottery. Hill hasn't been given a chance. The worst thing is, I believe he still won't be given a chance. He'll get 3 maybe 4 starts and that's if he is good in his first one. Then when Marshall comes back he'll be moved to the bullpen or sent back to AAA. Why does Marshall pitch for the Cubs and Hill doesn't? Because Marshall did what he had to do to make the Cubs and Rich Hill didn't. Simple as that...

Wait a sec. now? The job was his to win in ST and both Guzman and Marshall out pitched him. So lets not say the Cubs don't give Rich Hill many chances. It's not how many chances you are given. It's how you take advantage of those chances when you are given them..

We all know he's one of the best AAA pitchers out there right now, but that doesn't help the Cubs unless he produces. I'm not sold on his stuff at the ML level...I really, really, hope I'm wrong.

I'm also with Dusty on this one. It's either put up or shut up! He's 26 years old that dominates AAA. Nothing more and nothing less, unless he proves other wise.

Hill will be called up. No doubt.

Don't you wish more reporters had the stones to question this after the game. Notice how "after the game" reporters never ask anything that's worth anything.

I HATE, HATE, HATE DUSTY! I really do! What the hell is the point?

You're kidding me?

Z could've had a nice and east 103 PC day instead Dusty has to stretch him out to friggin' 130 pitches!

Come on dudes, Dusty is trying to save his job. So he has to ride the horses that got him here. I mean, he is determine to have Zambrano joined Prior/Wood on the DL. And then Baker can say...well, "I didn't have my horses." I honestly can't believe that Dusty is this stupid? What reason is Z still out there?

Good god I can't stand Baker. I really cant!

good question...my guess is that he's done. I would hope he is but I fear he isn't. He's back out there shooting for 130 again I guess...WTF Dusty? He's got a 4 run lead. Why in the world is Z back out there in the 8th! Stupid!

Why is Zambrano still in there! Honestly?

Looks like he's having a break out year! Sheez!

On ESPN Chat... Jim Hendry (Chicago) What day should I let Dusty go? BUSTER OLNEY: Jim: Two months ago. Funny stuff!!!!

He's the anti Rich Hill. They both have similar "stuff" but Marshall Has the smarts and (lets face it) the stones to pitch in the majors...

Well at least the rest of the nation see's how bad this team is!